Rendering of a 42-unit affordable housing complex geared toward Indigenous families on Cranberry Ave. was endorsed by Nanaimo City Council on Monday night. (MacDonald Hagarty Architects Ltd)

By NanaimoNewsNOW staff

Affordable Housing

South Nanaimo family-geared affordable housing complex approved

Dec 4, 2025 | 1:08 PM

NANAIMO — A Chase River affordable housing project is advancing after City Council approved a development permit for a 42-unit complex.

The unanimous endorsement from Council was made during the Monday, Dec. 1, meeting, for a project in the conceptual stage for several years.

To be located at 1435 Cranberry Ave., the six-storey complex primarily benefiting families ranges from studio to three-bedroom units in partnership between BC Housing and Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Twenty-two units will be split between two and three-bedroom spaces, according to a City staff report.

The Chase River housing complex bordering Wexford Creek will have shelter rates in place for renting tenants. (MacDonald Hagarty Architects Ltd)

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“The project will offer housing for families on their journey towards independent living, with a priority for Indigenous families. Residents will be supported by Snuneymuxw First Nation resources and programs,” stated a City staff report.

A height variance of 6.1 meters beyond the allowable 14 meters was granted for the project, situated on City-owned land across from the City’s Chase River firehall No. 4.

A presentation by the project’s architect stated it includes a tenant amenity space and staff office space.

Nine surface parking spots are proposed for the non-profit housing project, which was originally envisioned to be a 46-unit facility.

The initiative is included in a 2020 Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Nanaimo and the B.C government.

A building permit is required before construction can start.

Birds-eye view of the development site. (City of Nanaimo/Google)

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